Iran Shift FIFA World Cup Base to Mexico After Securing FIFA Approval to Relocate Camp

Iran has received approval to relocate their training camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with federation president Mehdi Taj confirming that Team Melli will now prepare in Tijuana instead of Arizona. The decision means Iran shifts the FIFA World Cup base to Mexico less than a year before the tournament begins across North America.

Iran had originally planned to stay in Tucson during the competition, but federation officials pushed for a revised arrangement during discussions with FIFA and World Cup organisers. While FIFA has yet to formally announce the change, Taj said the request had been approved following meetings in Istanbul and a later online discussion involving FIFA officials.

“All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved [by] FIFA,” Taj said.

“Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team's base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”

Iran Moves World Cup Base from US Before Tournament

The adjustment comes amid continuing concerns surrounding regional tensions and international travel arrangements. Iranian football authorities believe the new setup could make logistics smoother during the tournament, particularly regarding travel into the United States.

Federation officials also suggested the switch may help the delegation avoid possible visa complications by entering through Mexico. Taj added that the squad “may even be able to travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights.”

The phrase Iran moves the World Cup base from the US has drawn significant attention in local and international media ahead of the tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Group-Stage Fixtures Unchanged

Despite the relocation of the team base, Iran’s match schedule remains the same. Team Melli will begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15 before taking on Belgium at the same venue on June 21. Their final group-stage fixture will be played against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Iran will be appearing in their fourth straight World Cup and seventh overall. The national side is still searching for its first qualification to the knockout stage of the tournament.